Top panel elevating-type desk

ABSTRACT

A top panel elevating-type desk ( 1 ) includes a top panel ( 10 ) having an upper surface ( 10   a ) serving as a working surface, a leg body ( 20 ) having an elevating mechanism unit ( 23 ) configured to move the top panel ( 10 ) in a vertical direction (Z) and supporting the top panel ( 10 ), and an operating unit ( 30 ) configured to drive the elevating mechanism unit ( 23 ), the operating unit ( 30 ) has an operating member ( 31 ) disposed below the top panel ( 10 ), a support section ( 49 ) configured to movably support the operating member ( 31 ) in the vertical direction (Z), and a cover member ( 32 ) configured to cover the operating member ( 31 ), and a lower end portion of the cover member ( 32 ) is disposed at the same position as or below a lower end portion of the operating member ( 31 ) in the vertical direction (Z).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a top panel elevating-type desk capable of varying a height of a top panel in a vertical direction according to requirements of a worker in a working space such as an office, a public facility, or the like.

Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-219934, filed Nov. 9, 2015, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND ART

In a working space such as an office, a public facility, or the like, desk apparatuses (desks) that provide working areas to workers are generally arranged. A height of a top panel of the desk apparatus that enables easy working largely varies according to a physical constitution, sex, or a preference of a worker. A desk apparatus in which the top panel has a certain height cannot handle such a situation. For this reason, a top panel elevating-type desk in which the height of a top panel is variable in a vertical direction is used.

When such a top panel elevating-type desk is used, a working area having a top panel height in accordance with a request of a worker can be provided, working efficiency can be improved, and a load on a worker's body can be reduced.

As an elevating mechanism unit configured to move a top panel in a vertical direction, a mechanism using a gas spring, a mechanism using a gear, an electrically-operated mechanism, and the like are known (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 5). According to these elevating mechanism units, a relatively simple structure is provided, and thus cost can be reduced to a low level.

DOCUMENT OF RELATED ART Patent Document

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3371959

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 3391285

Patent Document 3: Japanese Utility Model Registered Publication No. 3164739

Patent Document 4: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2014-113505

Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent No. 5718503

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

In the top panel elevating-type desk using such an elevating mechanism unit, there is a need to install an operating member such as a lever configured to instruct an elevating operation of the top panel to the elevating mechanism unit. If the top panel is moved upward or downward when the operating member is moved upward or downward, since a worker can intuitively operate the operating member, operability is improved.

However, since an upper surface of the top panel of the desk serves as a working surface for a worker, when the operating member is installed on the top panel, the working surface is narrowed, or the operating member may be hidden by objects placed thereon such as documents or the like. For this reason, in many cases, the operating member is installed below the top panel.

However, when the operating member of the top panel elevating-type desk is installed below the top panel, other household goods used around the desk, a worker's legs, or the like, may come in contact with the operating member, and a driving unit may be operated against a worker's intention. In addition, since a lower side of the operating member is exposed to the outside, the operating member may come in contact with an obstacle when the top panel is raised or lowered (in particular, when the top panel is lowered).

In consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a top panel elevating-type desk configured to minimize unintentional operations of an elevating mechanism unit.

Solution to Problem

A first aspect of a top panel elevating-type desk of the present invention includes a top panel having an upper surface serving as a working surface; an elevating mechanism unit configured to move the top panel in a vertical direction; a leg body configured to support the top panel and having the elevating mechanism unit; and an operating unit configured to drive the elevating mechanism unit, in which the operating unit has: an operating member disposed below the top panel; a support section configured to movably support the operating member in the vertical direction; and a cover member configured to cover the operating member, and a lower end portion of the cover member is disposed at the same position as or below a lower end portion of the operating member in the vertical direction.

According to the first aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of the present invention, as the operating member is disposed below the top panel, there is a possibility that household goods, a worker's leg, or the like below the top panel may come in contact with the operating member. When the household goods or legs approach the operating member from below the operating member, the household goods, legs, or the like abut the cover member before the household goods, legs, or the like come in contact with the operating member or at the same time at which they come in contact with the operating member. That is, the operating member is not pressed by the household goods, legs, or the like.

In a second aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of the present invention, in the top panel elevating-type desk according to the first aspect, the operating member is rotatably supported by the support section around an axis.

According to the second aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of the present invention, a structure in which the operating member is supported by the support section can be easily configured.

In a third aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of the present invention, in the top panel elevating-type desk according to the first or second aspect, the support section is formed integrally with the cover member.

According to the third aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of the present invention, the whole external shape of the support section and the cover member can be reduced in size.

In a fourth aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of the present invention, in the top panel elevating-type desk according to the third aspect, the cover member includes a pair of upward pieces disposed to sandwich the operating member in a direction along the axis, extending upward, and having the support section, and upper end portions of the upward pieces abut a lower surface of the top panel and are attached to the lower surface of the top panel.

According to the fourth aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of the present invention, a bearing force when household goods, legs, or the like come in contact with the upward pieces is improved, and contact of the household goods, legs, or the like with the operating member in the direction along the axis can be minimized by the pair of upward pieces.

In a fifth aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of the present invention, in the top panel elevating-type desk according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the operating member has: a shaft member disposed on the axis; a connecting member extending downward from the shaft member; and an operating unit main body extending from the connecting member along a lower surface of the top panel.

According to the fifth aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of the present invention, since a distance between the top panel and the operating unit main body in the vertical direction is secured, the operating unit main body can be easily moved downward by hooking a finger or the like on the upper surface of the operating unit main body.

In a sixth aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of the present invention, in the top panel elevating-type desk according to the fifth aspect, the cover member is attached to an edge portion of the top panel, and when seen in the vertical direction, the operating unit main body extends in a direction crossing a direction along the edge portion of the top panel, and only a portion of the operating unit main body on a side of a central section of the top panel is covered with the cover member.

According to the sixth aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of the present invention, a portion of the operating unit main body on a side of the edge portion of the top panel that is not covered with the cover member can be easily operated by a finger or the like from the edge portion side of the top panel.

In a seventh aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of the present invention, in the top panel elevating-type desk according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit.

According to the seventh aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of the present invention, when the operating unit is switched to the top panel fixing mode, the top panel is in a fixed state even when the operating member is moved in the vertical direction, and unintentional operations of the elevating mechanism unit can be more reliably minimized.

Advantageous Effects of the Invention

According to the top panel elevating-type desk of the present invention, unintentional operations of the elevating mechanism unit can be minimized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. I is a perspective view of a top panel elevating-type desk of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a side surface of an operating switch of the top panel elevating-type desk of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing from below the operating switch of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing from above the operating switch of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an operating lever of the operating switch of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing from the front a cover member of the operating switch of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cover member showing from behind the operating switch of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lid member attached to the cover member of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing from above an operating switch of a top panel elevating-type desk according to a variant of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing from below a state in which the operating switch of the variant of the embodiment of the present invention is attached to a top panel.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing from above an operating switch of a top panel elevating-type desk according to another variant of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing from below a state in which the operating switch of the variant of the embodiment of the present invention is attached to the top panel.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing from above an operating switch of a top panel elevating-type desk according to another variant of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing from below a state in which the operating switch of the variant of the embodiment of the present invention is attached to the top panel.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a top panel elevating-type desk according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14.

As shown in FIG. 1, a top panel elevating-type desk 1 of the embodiment includes a top panel 10 having an upper surface 10 a serving as a working surface, a pair of leg bodies 20 which are disposed separately in a leftward/rightward direction X and have a pair of lower support bodies 21 disposed on a floor surface F, a pair of upper support bodies 22 disposed above the pair of lower support bodies 21 and having upper end portions which support the top panel 10, and a pair of elevating mechanism units 23 configured to telescopically connect the pair of lower support bodies 21 and the pair of upper support bodies 22, and an operating unit 30 connected to the pair of elevating mechanism units 23 and configured to expand and contract the pair of elevating mechanism units 23.

The top panel 10 is formed in a rectangular shape when seen in parallel to a vertical direction Z. The length of a first side 10 c of the top panel 10 extending in the leftward/rightward direction X is larger than the length of a second side 10 d extending in a forward/rearward direction Y. Among the pair of first sides 10 c of the top panel 10, the first side 10 c 1 on a front side is a side among the sides 10 c and 10 d of the top panel 10 that is mainly used by a worker (a user).

Each of the lower support bodies 21 has a grounding frame 25 extending in the forward/rearward direction Y, and adjusters 26 installed on a lower surface of the grounding frame 25 on front and rear sides and in contact with the floor surface F.

For example, each of the grounding frames 25 is configured in a square tube shape by folding a steel plate.

Each of the adjusters 26 has a known configuration. As the adjusters 26 are moved with respect to the grounding frames 25 in the vertical direction Z, unevenness of the top panel elevating-type desk 1 can be adjusted.

The upper support bodies 22 are configured in the same shape as the grounding frames 25. The upper support bodies 22 are fixed to a lower surface 10 b of the top panel 10 by screw members or the like (not shown).

The elevating mechanism units 23 are electrically-driven units having the conventional configuration. Each of the elevating mechanism units 23 includes a plurality of square tubes 23 a, 23 b and 23 c having different outer dimensions, and a driving mechanism (not shown) accommodated in the square tubes 23 a, 23 b and 23 c.

The square tubes 23 a, 23 b and 23 c are movably fitted to each other in the vertical direction Z, and the elevating mechanism units 23 can be expanded or contracted in the vertical direction Z by driving the driving mechanisms. Accordingly, the elevating mechanism units 23 telescopically connect the lower support bodies 21 and the upper support bodies 22, and the top panel 10 is moved in the vertical direction Z.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the operating unit 30 has an operating lever (an operating member) 31 disposed below the top panel 10, a cover member 32 configured to cover the operating lever 31, and an elevation control unit 33 (see FIG. 1) configured to detect movement of the operating lever 31 and expand and contract the pair of elevating mechanism units 23 according to a detected moving direction of the operating lever 31. Note that “movement” refers to both linear movement and rotational movement, and “movement” as used in the embodiment refers to rotational movement.

Further, the operating lever 31, the cover member 32, and attachment pieces 52, an operating board 55 and a lid member 63 that will be described below constitute an operating switch 34.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the operating lever 31 has a shaft member 37 supported by support sections 49 that are groove sections (to be described below) formed in the cover member 32 and disposed on an axis C, a first connecting member (a connecting member) 38 extending downward from the shaft member 37, and an operating unit main body 39 formed in a plate shape and extending from a lower end portion of the connecting member 38 along the lower surface 10 b of the top panel 10 in the forward/rearward direction Y.

The shaft member 37 is formed in a columnar shape extending in the leftward/rightward direction X.

The first connecting member 38 is formed in a plate shape. The thickness (the length in the forward/rearward direction Y) of the first connecting member 38 is smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft member 37.

A second connecting member 41 formed in a plate shape and extending rearward is installed on the shaft member 37. The thickness (the length in the vertical direction Z) of the second connecting member 41 is smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft member 37. A notch 41 a is formed in a central section in the leftward/rightward direction X of a rear end portion of the second connecting member 41. A cylindrical boss 42 is formed in the notch 41 a of the second connecting member 41. A through-hole 42 a of the boss 42 extends in the forward/rearward direction Y, and a rear end portion of the through-hole 42 a opens in the notch 41 a.

The operating unit main body 39 extends forward and rearward from the lower end portion of the connecting member 38. The thickness (the length in the vertical direction Z) in a portion of the operating unit main body 39 in front of the first connecting member 38 is larger than the thickness of the operating unit main body 39 in the vicinity of the first connecting member 38. Accordingly, concave sections 39 b and 39 c are formed in an upper surface and a lower surface of the portion of the operating unit main body 39 in front of the first connecting member 38, respectively. The concave sections 39 b and 39 c are formed throughout the length of the operating unit main body 39 in the leftward/rightward direction X.

In a portion of the operating unit main body 39 behind the first connecting member 38, the thickness of a central section in the forward/rearward direction Y is larger than the thickness of an end portion in the forward/rearward direction Y.

A display unit 39 d formed of an opaque resin is installed on a front end surface of the operating unit main body 39. A pictorial sign showing an elevation operating method of the top panel 10 of the top panel elevating-type desk 1 or a display such as a name of the company that manufactured the top panel elevating-type desk 1 may be formed on a front surface of the display unit 39 d.

Lengths of the first connecting member 38, the operating unit main body 39 and the second connecting member 41 in the leftward/rightward direction X are substantially equal to each other. An end portion of the shaft member 37 in the leftward/rightward direction X protrudes from end portions of the first connecting member 38 and the second connecting member 41 in the leftward/rightward direction X.

The shaft member 37, the first connecting member 38, the operating unit main body 39 aside from the display unit 39 d, the second connecting member 41 and the boss 42 are integrally formed of a transparent resin material such as acryl or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the cover member 32 has a pair of upward pieces 45 disposed to sandwich the operating lever 31 in a direction along the axis C (the leftward/rightward direction X), a bottom piece 46 configured to connect lower end portions of the pair of upward pieces 45 and configured to cover a lower side of only a rear portion of the operating lever 31, and a rear piece 47 configured to connect rear end portions of the pair of upward pieces 45.

Each of the upward pieces 45 is formed in a rectangular plate shape extending in the vertical direction Z and the forward/rearward direction Y. Corner sections 45 a of front lower portions of the upward pieces 45 are formed in curved shapes protruding forward and downward. The support sections 49 that are groove sections with which the end portions of the shaft member 37 are engaged are formed in surfaces that become inner sides of the upward pieces 45 in the leftward/rightward direction X. The support sections 49 have vertical grooves 49 a extending downward from upper ends of the upward pieces 45, and longitudinal grooves 49 b extending rearward from lower end portions of the vertical grooves 49 a and in communication with the vertical grooves 49 a.

Bosses 50 extending in the vertical direction Z are formed on the surfaces that become the above-mentioned inner sides of the upward pieces 45. Upper end surfaces of the bosses 50 are disposed below the upper ends of the upward pieces 45.

The end portions of the shaft member 37 of the operating lever 31 are inserted into the vertical grooves 49 a of the support sections 49 from above, and engaged with the longitudinal grooves 49 b. The shaft member 37 of the operating lever 31 can be rotated around the axis C within the longitudinal grooves 49 b. That is, the support sections 49 supports the operating lever 31 such that a front end portion 39 a of the operating lever 31 can be rotationally moved upward and downward from a neutral position P1 by rotation of the operating lever 31 around the axis C. The neutral position P1 referred herein is a position at which the elevating mechanism units 23 are not expanded or contracted (the top panel 10 is not moved in the vertical direction Z) even when the elevation control unit 33 detects a position of the operating lever 31 disposed at the neutral position P1.

The operating lever 31 may be supported to be movable in parallel to the vertical direction Z by the support sections 49. In this case, in order to perform smooth parallel movement of the operating lever 31 using the support sections 49, for example, a so-called pantograph type link structure, a four-joint link structure, or the like may be used in the support sections 49. As a structure in which the operating lever 31 is rotatably supported around the axis C is employed in the support sections 49, a structure in which the operating lever 31 is supported by the support sections 49 is easily provided.

The operating unit main body 39 of the operating lever 31 is substantially parallel to a horizontal surface at the neutral position P1 shown in FIG. 2. Since the operating lever 31 has the shaft member 37, the first connecting member 38 and the operating unit main body 39, a distance between the top panel 10 and the operating unit main body 39 disposed at the neutral position P1 in the vertical direction Z is secured, and a finger or the like is easily inserted between the top panel 10 and the operating unit main body 39. The operating lever 31 is rotated to be moved to an upper position P2 such that the end portion 39 a of the operating lever 31 moves upward from the neutral position P1. Meanwhile, the operating lever 31 is rotated to move to a lower position P3 such that the end portion 39 a of the operating lever 31 moves downward from the neutral position P1.

As shown in. FIG. 6, a front end portion 46 a of the bottom piece 46 is curved to protrude rearward. The end portion 46 a of the bottom piece 46 is disposed behind the front end portions of the upward pieces 45.

While the bottom piece 46 covers the lower side of the rear portion of the operating lever 31, the bottom piece 46 does not cover a lower side of a front portion of the operating lever 31. Accordingly, the front portion of the operating lever 31 is easily operated by a finger or the like.

As shown in FIG. 7, a square hole 47 a and a round hole 47 b are formed in the rear piece 47. A cylindrical boss 47 c is formed on the front surface of the rear piece 47.

In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the attachment pieces 52 extending away from each other along the lower surface 10 b of the top panel 10 are formed on the upper end portions of the upward pieces 45. Through-holes 52 a extending in the vertical direction Z are formed in the attachment pieces 52.

The pair of upward pieces 45, the bottom piece 46, the rear piece 47 and the pair of attachment pieces 52 are integrally formed of a resin material. The support sections 49 formed in the upward pieces 45 are integrally formed with the cover member 32. As the support sections 49 are integrally formed with the cover member 32, the whole external shape of the support sections 49 and the cover member 32 can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cover member 32 covers the rear portion of the operating lever 31 from below without covering the front portion of the operating lever 31 from below. A lower end portion of the bottom piece 46 that is a lower end portion of the cover member 32 is disposed below a lower end portion of the operating lever 31 disposed at the neutral position P1.

Note that in the embodiment, the lower end portion of the bottom piece 46 that is the lower end portion of the cover member 32 is disposed below the lower end portion of the operating lever 31 disposed at the neutral position P1. However, the lower end portion of the bottom piece 46 that is the lower end portion of the cover member 32 may be disposed at the same position as the lower end portion of the operating lever 31 disposed at the neutral position P1 in the vertical direction Z.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the operating board 55 is attached to the cover member 32. The operating board 55 has a plate-shaped base member 56, a light-emitting diode (LED, a light-emitting unit) 57 and a toggle switch 58 attached to one surface of the plate-shaped base member 56, a local area network (LAN) connector 59 attached to the other surface of the base member 56, a selector switch 60, and a switch control circuit (not shown).

The toggle switch 58, the LAN connector 59 and the selector switch 60 are connected to the switch control circuit.

The base member 56 is formed of a material having insulation. A through-hole 56 a is formed in the base member 56,

The second connecting member 41 of the operating lever 31 is irradiated with illumination light emitted forward from the LED 57.

The toggle switch 58 has a known configuration, and a lever 58 b is swingable upward and downward from a neutral position with respect to a switch main body 58 a. The lever 58 b is inserted through the through-hole 42 a of the boss 42 formed on the second connecting member 41 of the operating lever 31.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the operating lever 31 is disposed at the neutral position P1, the lever 58 b is disposed at the neutral position. When the operating lever 31 is disposed at the upper position P2, the lever 58 b swings downward from the neutral position. When the operating lever 31 is disposed at the lower position P3, the lever 58 b swings upward from the neutral position.

The toggle switch 58 includes a return spring (not shown) configured to bias the lever 58 b to return to the neutral position from a position at which the lever 58 b has swung upward and downward with respect to the switch main body 58 a. Accordingly, the lever 58 b is disposed at the neutral position when an external force is not applied. Since the through-hole 42 a of the boss 42 is engaged with the lever 58 b, when the operating lever 31 is not operated, the operating lever 31 is disposed at the neutral position P1.

Further, the operating switch 34 may include a spring member (not shown) such that the operating lever 31 disposed at the upper position P2 and the lower position P3 is more securely returned to the neutral position P1 when the operating lever 31 is not operated.

A signal (an operating instruction) showing a state in which the lever 58 b has swung upward and downward is transmitted to the switch control circuit.

The LAN connector 59 is disposed in the square hole 47 a of the rear piece 47. A LAN cable 61 shown in FIG. 7 is connected to the LAN connector 59.

The selector switch 60 is disposed in the round hole 47 b of the rear piece 47. The selector switch 60 transmits a signal to the switch control circuit every time the selector switch 60 is pushed.

The switch control circuit converts a signal showing a state in which the lever 58 b has swung and a signal of the selector switch 60 and transmits the converted signals to the LAN connector 59. The signals are transmitted to the LAN cable 61 via the LAN connector 59.

A configuration of the switch control circuit is not particularly limited and any known control circuit may be used as long as the switch control circuit carries out the above-mentioned functions.

A power wiring (not shown) is connected to the operating board 55. The operating board 55 is fixed to the cover member 32 by screwing a screw member (not shown) into a cylindrical hole of the boss 47 c while inserting the screw member through the through-hole 56 a of the base member 56.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the plate-shaped lid member 63 is attached to the bosses 50 of the cover member 32. Corner sections 63 a of front upper portions of the lid member 63 are formed in curve shapes that become a part of a columnar side surface extending in the leftward/rightward direction X. A pair of through-holes 63 b are formed to pass through the lid member 63 in the vertical direction Z.

Pressing members 64 are formed on end portions of the lid member 63 on the front side in the leftward/rightward direction X.

The lid member 63 is attached to the cover member 32 by screwing screw members 65 shown in FIG. 4 into cylindrical holes of the bosses 50 of the cover member 32 while inserting the screw members 65 through the through-holes 63 b of the lid member 63. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, as the pressing members 64 close the vertical grooves 49 a of the cover member 32, the shaft member 37 engaged with the longitudinal grooves 49 b cannot be removed from the longitudinal grooves 49 b.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the attachment pieces 52 of the cover member 32 of the operating switch 34 configured as above are attached to the lower surface 10 b of the top panel 10 by screwing the screw members 65 into screw receivers (not shown) formed in the lower surface 10 b of the top panel 10 while inserting the screw members 65 through the through-holes 52 a of the attachment pieces 52 of the cover member 32. The cover member 32 is attached to an edge portion 10 e of the first side 10 c 1 on the front side of the top panel 10.

Here, the upper end portions of the upward pieces 45 abut the lower surface 10 b of the top panel 10 and are attached to the lower surface 10 b of the top panel 10.

As the upward pieces 45 configured to support the operating lever 31 at both sides in the leftward/rightward direction X are attached to the top panel 10, in comparison with the case in which the operating lever 31 is supported at one side in the leftward/rightward direction X, a bearing force when household goods, legs, or the like come in contact with the upward pieces 45 is improved.

When seen in the vertical direction Z, the operating lever 31 extends in the forward/rearward direction Y crossing the leftward/rightward direction X along the edge portion 10 e of the top panel 10 (see FIG. 3). Only a portion of the operating lever 31 on a side of a central section 10 f of the top panel 10 is covered with the cover member 32.

While not shown, the elevation control unit 33 has a control circuit, a memory in which a control program or the like configured to control the control circuit is stored, a power supply unit configured to drive the driving mechanism or the like of the elevating mechanism units 23, and so on. The control circuit has, as a control mode, a top panel-elevating mode in which the elevating mechanism units 23 are expanded or contracted (driven) and the top panel is moved 10 in the vertical direction Z using the elevating mechanism units 23, and a top panel-fixing mode in which the elevating mechanism units 23 are not expanded or contracted and movement of the top panel 10 in the vertical direction Z using the elevating mechanism units 23 is prevented.

The top panel-elevating mode is a control mode in which the control circuit moves the top panel 10 in the vertical direction Z according to a signal showing a state in which the lever 58 b has swung.

The control circuit expands the pair of elevating mechanism units 23 when it is detected that the operating lever 31 is moved upward. The control circuit contacts the pair of elevating mechanism units 23 when it is detected that the operating lever 31 is moved downward.

Meanwhile, the top panel-fixing mode is a control mode in which a position of the top panel 10 in the vertical direction Z is fixed while the control circuit does not move the top panel 10 in the vertical direction Z regardless of a signal showing a state in which the lever 58 b has swung being received.

The control circuit is switchable between the top panel-elevating mode and the top panel-fixing mode.

Further, a configuration of the control circuit or the memory in which a control program or the like configured to control the control circuit is stored is not particularly limited and every known control circuit or memory may be used as long as the control circuit or the memory carries out the above-mentioned functions. In addition, any known central processing unit (CPU) or integrated circuit (IC) which has a control circuit and a memory in which a control program or the like configured to control the control circuit is stored as a set may also be used.

The power supply unit converts, for example, an alternating current supplied from the outside into a direct current. The power supply unit supplies the converted direct current to the driving mechanism and the like. For example, the power supply unit supplies the converted direct current to the LED 57 only in the top panel-elevating mode.

The LAN cable 61, the power wiring, the above-mentioned driving mechanism, and a power cable 68 (see FIG. 1) are connected to the elevation control unit 33. A plug (not shown) is provided on the power cable 68.

The elevating mechanism units 23 switch a control mode between the top panel-elevating mode and the top panel-fixing mode every time the elevating mechanism units 23 receive a signal of the above-mentioned selector switch 60.

The elevation control unit 33 receives a signal showing a state in which the lever 58 b has swung and a signal of the selector switch 60 via the LAN cable 61.

Next, an action of the top panel elevating-type desk 1 configured as above will be described.

When the plug is inserted into a plug socket (not shown), the control circuit of the elevation control unit 33 is started. Here, it is assumed that a control mode of the control circuit is the top panel-elevating mode. The power supply unit supplies the converted direct current to the driving mechanism, the LED 57, and the like.

Since the operating lever 31 is formed of a transparent material except the display unit 39 d, some of the illumination light emitted from the LED 57 enters the operating lever 31 from the second connecting member 41. The illumination light that has entered is reflected in the operating lever 31, and almost all of the operating lever 31 glows and can draw attention of the worker.

Here, since the display unit 39 d is formed of an opaque material, the display formed on the display unit 39 d does not become hard to see.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the top panel 10 is moved upward, a worker performs an operation of hooking a thumb Q1 on the upper surface 10 a of the top panel 10 and hooking a ventral side of an index finger Q2 or the like on the concave section 39 c of the lower surface of the operating unit main body 39. The operating lever 31 is rotated such that the end portion 39 a of the operating lever 31 is moved upward while the thumb Q1 is hooked on the top panel 10, and the operating lever 31 is moved from the neutral position P1 to the upper position P2. The lever 58 b of the toggle switch 58 swings downward from the neutral position, and a signal showing a state in which the lever 58 b has swung is transmitted to the elevation control unit 33 via the switch control circuit, the LAN connector 59 and the LAN cable 61.

The cover member 32 is attached to the edge portion 10 e of the top panel 10, and only a portion of the operating lever 31 on the side of the central section 10 f of the top panel 10 is covered with the cover member 32. For this reason, a portion of the operating unit main body 39 that is not covered with the cover member 32 is easily operated by a finger or the like from the edge portion 10 e side of the top panel 10.

The elevation control unit 33 expands the elevating mechanism units 23 in the vertical direction Z using the driving mechanisms. Accordingly, the top panel 10 is moved upward.

Meanwhile, when the top panel 10 is moved downward, the index finger Q2 or the like is hooked in the concave section 39 b of the upper surface of the operating unit main body 39. The operating lever 31 is rotated such that the end portion 39 a of the operating lever 31 is moved downward, and the operating lever 31 is moved from the neutral position P1 to the lower position P3. The lever 58 b of the toggle switch 58 swings upward from the neutral position, and a signal showing a state in which the lever 58 b has swung is transmitted to the elevation control unit 33.

The elevation control unit 33 contracts the elevating mechanism units 23 in the vertical direction Z using the driving mechanisms. Accordingly, the top panel 10 is moved downward.

As shown in FIG. 2, there may be a case where a moving body T such as other household goods, a worker's leg, or the like unintentionally approaches the operating switch 34 from below the operating switch 34. Since the lower end portion of the cover member 32 is disposed below the lower end portion of the operating lever 31 disposed at the neutral position P1, the moving body T moving upward from below and approaching the operating switch 34 abuts the bottom piece 46 of the cover member 32 and does not easily come in contact with the operating lever 31.

In addition, since the pair of upward pieces 45 are disposed to sandwich the operating lever 31 in the leftward/rightward direction X, the moving body T does not easily come in contact with the operating lever 31 in the leftward/rightward direction X.

When the top panel 10 is not moved upward and downward for a while, the selector switch 60 is pressed. A signal of the selector switch 60 is transmitted to the elevation control unit 33 via the switch control circuit, the LAN connector 59 and the LAN cable 61. Then, a control mode of the control circuit of the elevation control unit 33 is switched from the top panel-elevating mode to the top panel-fixing mode. Since direct current is not supplied to the LED 57, the operating lever 31 does not glow. A worker can easily recognize the control mode of the control circuit according to whether the operating lever 31 glows or not.

In this state, even when the end portion 39 a of the operating lever 31 is moved upward and downward, the top panel 10 is in a fixed state without moving upward and downward.

When the top panel 10 is to be moved again, the selector switch 60 is pressed to switch the control mode of the control circuit from the top panel-fixing mode to the top panel-elevating mode, and then the end portion 39 a of the operating lever 31 is moved upward or downward.

Note that in the embodiment, the LED 57 may be controlled to emit illumination light regardless of the control mode of the control circuit.

As described above, according to the top panel elevating-type desk 1 of the embodiment, as the operating lever 31 is disposed below the top panel 10, there is a possibility that the moving body T disposed below the top panel 10 may come in contact with the operating lever 31. However, when the moving body T approaches the operating lever 31 from below the operating lever 31, the moving body T abuts the bottom piece 46 that is the lower end portion of the cover member 32 before the moving body T comes in contact with the operating lever 31. That is, the operating lever 31 is not moved by the moving body T.

Accordingly, an unintentional operation of the elevating mechanism units 23 by a worker can be prevented.

As described above, according to the top panel elevating-type desk 1 of the embodiment, the following effects are obtained.

It is possible to securely prevent the moving body T from coming in contact with the operating lever 31 and causing a faulty operation of the switch control circuit, and to prevent the switch control circuit from malfunctioning.

Since the top panel 10 is moved upward and downward when the front end portion 39 a of the operating lever 31 is moved upward and downward, operability of the operating lever 31 becomes good.

Since the operating lever 31 is supported by the support sections 49 to be rotatable about the axis C, a structure in which the operating lever 31 is supported by the support sections 49 can be easily configured.

Since the support sections 49 are integrally formed with the cover member 32, the whole external shape of the support sections 49 and the cover member 32 can be reduced.

The cover member 32 has the pair of upward pieces 45, and the upper end portions of the upward pieces 45 abut the lower surface 10 b of the top panel 10 to be attached to the lower surface 10 b of the top panel 10. In comparison with the case in which the operating lever 31 is supported at one side in the leftward/rightward direction X, a bearing force when the moving body T comes in contact with the upward pieces 45 can be improved.

The operating lever 31 has the shaft member 37, the first connecting member 38, and the operating unit main body 39.

Since a distance between the top panel 10 and the operating unit main body 39 in the vertical direction Z is secured, the operating unit main body 39 can be easily moved downward by hooking a finger in the concave section 39 b of the upper surface of the operating unit main body 39.

The cover member 32 is attached to the edge portion 10 e of the top panel 10, and only a portion of the operating lever 31 on the side of the central section 10 f of the top panel 10 is covered with the cover member 32. Accordingly, a front portion of the operating unit main body 39 that is not covered with the cover member 32 can be easily operated by a finger or the like from the edge portion 10 e side of the top panel 10.

The elevation control unit 33 is switchable between the top panel-elevating mode and the top panel-fixing mode. When the control mode of the elevation control unit 33 is switched to the top panel-fixing mode, the top panel 10 is in a fixed state even when the operating lever 31 is moved in the vertical direction Z, and an unintentional operation of the elevating mechanism units 23 can be more reliably controlled.

As described below, the configuration of the operating switch 34 of the embodiment can be variously modified. Note that in the following description, the same components as in the above embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment and description thereof will be omitted. In an operating switch 75 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, an operating lever (an operating member) 76 and a cover member 77 may be provided instead of the operating lever 31 and the cover member 32 of the above-mentioned operating switch 34. The operating switch 75 constitutes a top panel elevating-type desk 2 together with the top panel 10, the pair of leg bodies 20, and so on.

The operating lever 76 includes an operating unit main body 80 instead of the operating unit main body 39 of the operating lever 31. The operating unit main body 80 is formed in a plate shape. A concave section 80 a is formed in an upper surface of a portion of the operating unit main body 80 in front of a first connecting member 381 (a connecting member). The concave section 80 a is formed in a central section of the operating unit main body 80 except a front end portion of the operating unit main body 80 and end portions of the operating unit main body 80 in the leftward/rightward direction X.

A step portion 80 b, which is stepped above from a rear portion of the operating unit main body 80, is formed on a lower surface of a portion of the operating unit main body 80 in front of the first connecting member 381. The step portion 80 b is formed throughout the length of the operating unit main body 80 in the leftward/rightward direction X

The cover member 77 includes a pair of upward pieces 82 and a bottom piece 83 instead of the pair of upward pieces 45 and the bottom piece 46 of the cover member 32.

In the variant, the length of the upward pieces 82 in the forward/rearward direction Y is smaller than that of the upward pieces 45 in the forward/rearward direction Y, and substantially equal to that of the attachment pieces 52 in the forward/rearward direction Y. Corner sections 82 a of front lower portions of the upward pieces 82 are chamfered as inclined flat surfaces.

The bottom piece 83 is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and connects lower end portions of the pair of upward pieces 82.

A front portion of the operating unit main body 80 protrudes forward further than the pair of upward pieces 82, the bottom piece 83 and the lid member 63.

The cover member 77 covers a rear portion of the operating unit main body 80. A lower end portion of the cover member 77 is disposed below the lower end portion of the operating lever 76 disposed at the neutral position P1.

In the top panel elevating-type desk 2 configured as above, the same effects as the top panel elevating-type desk 1 of the embodiment can be exhibited.

In an operating switch 90 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, an operating lever (an operating member) 91 may be provided instead of the operating lever 76 of the operating switch 75 of the above-mentioned variant. The operating switch 90 constitutes a top panel elevating-type desk 3 together with the top panel 10, the pair of leg bodies 20, and so on.

An operating unit main body 92 of the operating lever 91 is formed in a plate shape. A pair of reinforcement ribs 92 a extending in the forward/rearward direction Y are formed on an upper surface of a portion of the operating unit main body 92 in front of a first connecting member 382 (a connecting member). The reinforcement ribs 92 a are formed on end portions of the operating unit main body 92 in the leftward/rightward direction X. The height (the length in the vertical direction Z) of the reinforcement ribs 92 a increases as the reinforcement ribs 92 a approach the first connecting member 382.

A concavo-convex section 92 b constituted by a plurality of protrusions is formed on the upper surface of a portion of the operating unit main body 92 between the pair of reinforcement ribs 92 a.

A concavo-convex section 92 c configured similarly to the concavo-convex section 92 b is formed on a lower surface of a portion of the operating unit main body 92 in front of the first connecting member 382. The concavo-convex sections 92 b and 92 c prevent a finger or the like from slipping on the operating unit main body 92 when the operating unit main body 92 is operated by the finger or the like.

In an operating switch 95 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, an operating lever (an operating member) 96 may be provided instead of the operating lever 76 of the operating switch 75 of the above-mentioned variant. The operating switch 95 constitutes a top panel elevating-type desk 4 together with the top panel 10, the pair of leg bodies 20, and so on.

An operating unit main body 97 of the operating lever 96 is formed in an inverted V shape in which a portion of the operating lever 96 in front of a first connecting member 383 (a connecting member) protrudes upward. That is, the operating unit main body 97 has a first inclined plate 99 extending, from a lower end portion of the first connecting member 383, diagonally upward as the first inclined plate 99 goes forward, and a second inclined plate 100 extending, from an upper end portion of the first inclined plate 99, diagonally downward as the second inclined plate 100 goes forward. The first inclined plate 99 and the second inclined plate 100 are formed in plate shapes extending in the leftward/rightward direction X.

A locking rib 100 a extending in the leftward/rightward direction X is formed on a front surface of a lower end portion of the second inclined plate 100.

The operating lever 96 is supported rotatably around the axis C. As the front portion of the operating lever 96 is formed in an inverted V shape, when the front surface of the second inclined plate 100 that is a front end portion of the operating lever 96 is pressed rearward, a force pressing the front surface downward is generated by a partial force of the pressed force. Accordingly, the front end portion of the operating lever 96 is easily moved downward.

The locking rib 100 a prevents a finger or the like from slipping on the second inclined plate 100 when the front end portion of the operating lever 96 is moved downward.

While an embodiment and variants of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiment and may include modifications, combinations, deletions, or the like of the components without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the embodiment and the variants, the bottom piece and the rear piece 47 of the cover member may be omitted. In this case, for example, a pair of upward pieces cover the rear portion of the operating lever in the leftward/rightward direction X. The lower end portions of the pair of upward pieces are disposed on the same position or below in the vertical direction Z with respect to the lower end portion of the operating lever disposed at the neutral position P1. The attachment pieces 52 of the cover member may be omitted, and the upward pieces or the like of the cover member may be directly attached to the lower surface 10 b of the top panel 10.

The selector switch 60 of the cover member may be omitted, the top panel-fixing mode as a control mode in the control circuit of the elevation control unit 33 may be omitted, and the control circuit of the elevation control unit 33 may include only the top panel-elevating mode.

The LED 57 of the cover member may be omitted.

The lower end portion of the cover member may be disposed at the same position or below in the vertical direction Z with respect to the lower end portion of the operating lever disposed at any one of the neutral position P1, the upper position P2 and the lower position P3.

Although the support sections 49 have been described as being formed integrally with the cover member 32, the support sections 49 and the cover member 32 may be configured as different parts and may be separately attached to the lower surface 10 b of the top panel 10.

Although the elevating mechanism unit 23 has been described as an electrically-operated mechanism, the elevating mechanism unit 23 is not limited thereto and may be a mechanism using a gas spring, a mechanism using a gear, or the like.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a top panel elevating-type desk capable of minimizing unintentional operations of an elevating mechanism unit.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SIGNS

1, 2, 3, 4 Top panel elevating-type desk

10 Top panel

10 a Upper surface

10 b Lower surface

10 e Edge portion

10 f Central section

20 Leg body

23 Elevating mechanism unit

30 Operating unit

31, 76, 91, 96 Operating lever (operating member)

32, 77 Cover member

37 Shaft member

38, 381, 382, 383 First connecting member (connecting member)

39, 80, 92, 97 Operating unit main body

45, 82 Upward piece

49 Support section

52 Attachment piece

C Axis

F Floor surface

Z Vertical direction 

1. A top panel elevating-type desk comprising: a top panel having an upper surface serving as a working surface; an elevating mechanism unit configured to move the top panel in a vertical direction; a leg body configured to support the top panel and having the elevating mechanism unit; and an operating unit configured to drive the elevating mechanism unit, wherein the operating unit comprises: an operating member disposed below the top panel; a support section configured to movably support the operating member in the vertical direction; and a cover member configured to cover the operating member, and wherein a lower end portion of the cover member is disposed at the same position as or below a lower end portion of the operating member in the vertical direction.
 2. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 1, wherein the operating member is rotatably supported by the support section around an axis.
 3. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 1, wherein the support section is formed integrally with the cover member.
 4. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 3, wherein the cover member comprises a pair of upward pieces disposed to sandwich the operating member in a direction along the axis, extending upward, and having the support section, and upper end portions of the upward pieces abut a lower surface of the top panel and are attached to the lower surface of the top panel.
 5. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 2, wherein the operating member comprises: a shaft member disposed on the axis; a connecting member extending downward from the shaft member; and an operating unit main body extending from the connecting member along a lower surface of the top panel.
 6. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 5, wherein the cover member is attached to an edge portion of the top panel, and when seen in the vertical direction, the operating unit main body extends in a direction crossing a direction along the edge portion of the top panel, and only a portion of the operating unit main body on a side of a central section of the top panel is covered with the cover member.
 7. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 1, wherein the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
 8. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 3, wherein the operating member comprises: a shaft member disposed on the axis; a connecting member extending downward from the shaft member; and an operating unit main body extending from the connecting member along a lower surface of the top panel.
 9. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 4, wherein the operating member comprises: a shaft member disposed on the axis; a connecting member extending downward from the shaft member; and an operating unit main body extending from the connecting member along the lower surface of the top panel.
 10. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 8, wherein the cover member is attached to an edge portion of the top panel, and when seen in the vertical direction, the operating unit main body extends in a direction crossing a direction along the edge portion of the top panel, and only a portion of the operating unit main body on a side of a central section of the top panel is covered with the cover member.
 11. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 9, wherein the cover member is attached to an edge portion of the top panel, and when seen in the vertical direction, the operating unit main body extends in a direction crossing a direction along the edge portion of the top panel, and only a portion of the operating unit main body on a side of a central section of the top panel is covered with the cover member.
 12. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 3, wherein the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
 13. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 4, wherein the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
 14. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 5, wherein the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
 15. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 6, wherein the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
 16. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 7, wherein the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
 17. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 8, wherein the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
 18. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 9, wherein the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
 19. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 10, wherein the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
 20. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 11, wherein the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit. 